Phantom Hunters | Saphir Casters Academy

44 | A Report

XLIV | A REPORT

    Kly stepped out of the Arridian trading ship with a heavy bag slung over his shoulder and an even heavier heart weighing in his chest. The sky dampened into a deep blue, and the first stars twinkled above him, but he paid them no attention. The knot in his stomach refused to leave him, and he immediately made his way to the cab station to catch a ride to the academy.

    It was protocol to report to the recruitment tavern about the success of the mission, but Kly was too caught up in what had happened to really care at that moment. He was more anxious about sharing the information he gathered in Eyazim.

    The streets were still busy, despite the darkening sky as families went out for dinner or an evening picnic under the stars. Being on a small island, the city had minimised its crime rate, and it was much safer for people to roam around until the night deepened.

    How would they feel if they knew Kly could have handed their peace to an unknown woman who could well be working for the most nefarious man in history? Would those parents be smiling and letting their children lag behind to admire displayed merchandise or run ahead in a game of catch?

    Keeping his eyes fixed to the ground, Kly rushed past the crowded street and made it to the station, where he paid extra to get an immediate cab. He stayed silent in the car, too troubled to answer the driver's questions and comments. He dropped a few coins on the driver's seat before jumping out and rushing to the front gates. The guards seemed to sense his urgency, and they let him in without question.

    The first thing Kly did was seek out the schoolmaster. Reiton was not in his usual seat when Kly entered the administration building, probably out for a coffee break or to find something to eat as he took care of paperwork. For a moment, Kly thought how underpaid the job was, then he shrugged it off and sped towards Reverdan's office.

    The schoolmaster was situated in an office on the top floor. At times like these, Kly resented the stairs that prevented him from fast travel. He climbed them, skipping two at a time, nearly bumping into several mentors leaving their offices or the archives for the day. They only greeted with a curt nod before going their separate ways, and Kly was thankful that he didn't run into Nox.

    Once he finally reached the top floor, he passed Silevan's office and went straight to Reverdan's. The door was slightly ajar, and Kly paused outside to catch his breath. He raised his knuckles to knock when he heard muffled voices from the other side.

    Ignoring his better judgement, Kly turned his ear towards the gap to listen to the conversation.

    "Have you found a suitable candidate for the job?" Reverdan said, and Kly could almost see the schoolmaster stroking his beard in thought.

    "Of course," Anélá's voice responded. "You'll only receive the best. After all, more than one royal family will be present."

    "Good, good. I want everything to be perfect before the Anniversary Ball."

    Kly hesitated. The Anniversary Ball was an annual event celebrating the founding of the academy. It was a crucial event because royal representations from several countries joined in on the celebration.

    It was an important discussion to be had, and it would not be wise to interrupt. Still, the weight of what had happened was something Kly couldn't ignore. Taking a deep breath, Kly knocked on the door.

    The conversation inside came to a stop, then Reverdan's voice invited him in. "Come in."

    Kly pushed open the door and entered the room. Reverdan's office was simple, really. The schoolmaster hadn't taken the time to personalise it in any way. Three couches encircled a low round table, and a shelf with a glass window displayed pictures and the school's panoply of accolades. The shelf underneath was lined with several thick books. Behind one of the couches, Reverdan's desk rested in front of a large window that overlooked the garden. Kly could see the education building from where he stood.